Epoxy painting for tub?

We have a pink bathtub (metal, porcelain coated) w/ a surround (plastic). There are cracks in the surround. We are going to try to replace them, but we're complete novices. So, we thought we would paint the tub (bought Klenks refinishing kit) and replace the surround - we don't really know how to replace the tub.

This is the only shower/bath in the house. So, we wanted a speedy recovery time. The epoxy paint takes 5-7 days to cure/dry (plus the caulking drying time). Also, at about.com it was NOT recommended (though the guy had NEVER done it or seen it done).

Has anyone done this type of painting/refinishing before, or seen it done, and does it look good, ok, or sloppy?

A friend at work is an investor/remodeler and he often uses epoxy paint to refinish tubs. Unlike the sales pitch that I got from a guy who wanted me to spend the same money as new getting a resurface, it lasts 5 to 10 years, if you apply it properly, then treat it gently. It looks ok brushed on, a little better if sprayed, but never as good as a new tub.

I think, for something like $100-150, you can get a company to come out and spray it. The sort of "paint" you need to use is extremely toxic, so make sure you have a full respirator if you are doing this yourself.

You should probably replace the tub surround first, so you don't mess up the new finish on the tub.

Maybe we can get a plumber to come in and do the pipe work for inexpensive.

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Don't bet on it. It'll cost you many hundreds for a plumber to install that plumbing correctly.

All the apartment complexes I've worked for had companies come out and spray the tubs. Many gave a 1 year warranty. That is going to be your cheapest alternative to making it look nice for the potential buyers.

I am also considering painting my fiberglass tub/shower combo as well as the surround. Rustoleium sells a kit made for this application...
HOW about using POR-15 whiteCote??
I have used POR-15 before on car restorations and have always hade great results when applying with a brush as it is self-leveling. POR-15 website says it can be used on sinks & tubs
Anyone else have experience in this area?

I did an epoxy coat of my bath tub....it is now as good as new. I got some TSP for 5 bucks, cleaned the tub twice. Dried it and then coated the epoxy spray. It is as good as new and cost me less than 50 bucks. I got the Tough as Tile brand from Lowes. You have to get a respirator to do this job (costs about 30 bucks).